What to Do? Spending the Day in Baltimore, MD

Jun 22, 2011
Sarai Garnett

Inner Harbor-Baltimore - Mr. T in DC-Google Images

Both Inner Harbor and Fells Point are fantastic places to browse when visiting the city of Baltimore, MD.

Baltimore, MD plays host to a few attractions and communities that are definitely worth checking out.

Inner Harbor

One of the most visited places in Maryland, Inner Harbor has a slew of restaurants, activities, and sights for all to enjoy.

Both kids and adults can enjoy the animal life housed at the National Aquarium. From tropical fish and dolphins (there are new adorable dolphin calves now by the way), Australian reptiles, sting rays, and turtles, the National Aquarium aims to keep you entertained and educated on the watery excursion of a lifetime.

If you are looking for a more romantic or relaxed way to enjoy the Harbor, try a cruise. Cruises on the Bay by Watermark and Spirit Cruises-Baltimore both offer superb views of the Harbor by sunshine or moonlight. Watermark offers 45-minute cruises daily, as well as 60 and 90-minute cruises on the weekends. Spirit is similar in that it offers various types of cruises with a variety of lengths. Prices vary for both companies depending on the length and type of cruise (lunch, dinner, etc.), so make sure you plan accordingly to ensure you get the cruise you want, while not emptying your wallet!

Fells Point

Fells Point is not quite as well known a place as the Harbor for many. I mean, heck, I didn't know it existed until about three months ago and I have been to Baltimore about a billion times! This little gem of a community has been around since 1726 and nestles up against the water on the opposite side of the Inner Harbor attractions listed above. Here you will find tiny cobblestone streets lined with countless shop, restaurants, and historical sites.

Located on Dallas Street, you will see the famous "Douglass Terrace", a small row of five houses built by Frederick Douglass upon his return to Fells. Robert Long, a businessman from the York, PA area, also built his home and life in Fells Point. His home brings about an interesting story of the strength of the people of Fells Point as they had to come together multiple times to rebuild and preserve the home.

In terms of places to eat and shop, Fells Point holds promise for most tastes as it showcases seafood stops, cafes, ice cream shops, pubs, and more. A personal suggestion: grab some ice cream to go and enjoy it sitting along the waterfront edge. Delicious in both flavor and sight! Shops for just about anything also grace the streets at Fells Point, including, the fair trade beauty Ten Thousand Villages, hip and trendy furniture and accessory shop Su Casa, and the music must stop, The Sound Garden. A general tip for visiting Fells Point: While it is adorably quaint and charming, the tiny nature of things means lots of walking. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes!